How To Spend A Day In Oslo's Trendy Grnerlkka

The media love to call it “Oslo’s trendiest district” while the locals simply love to call it Løkka; either way, Grünerløkka is the embodiment of every hipster’s dreams this side of Brooklyn. From art schools, galleries, and museums to vintage clothing and furniture, and from fusion foods and microbreweries to craft cocktails, a day in Grünerløkka is definitely going to be very exciting and very Instagrammable.

Start your day artfully

First things first: visit the Munch Museum before it relocates in 2018. Sure, it won’t go that far (it will move downtown, by the Opera) but as long as it remains a fixture of this vibrant neighbourhood, it should definitely be a part of a day in Løkka. There are more than 12,000 works by Norway’s most famous artists to gawk at and various interesting events, like Knausgård’s Literature Days. Afterwards, walk through the Oslo Botanical Gardens located across the street from the museum and admire the plants and the greenhouses.

Have a big brunch

Unearth vintage and retro treasures

Those who have even a single retro-loving bone in their bodies, Grünerløkka will always provide. Encounter a plethora of cute stores that specialise in vintage and retro clothing, accessories, deco, and furniture just by walking down and near Markveien.

Start at Velouria Vintage (the ideal place for shoppers looking for crazy sweaters and accessories from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s), then proceed to the green-hued paradise that is Frøken Dianas Salonger for floral wrap dresses and accessories with attitude. Indulge in pin-up fantasies at Manillusion before making one last stop at Retrolykke Kaffebar and sipping on some coffee while looking at everything from furniture, the collection of plates on the walls that are actually for sale, and a small selection of vintage clothes in the back.

Savor all the flavors Mathallen has to offer

Okay, that’s probably an exaggeration as no one can possibly eat and drink everything this food hall offers. However, check out all of the cheese, chocolates, sausages, meats, fish, and vegetables from small-scale producers as well as the many options in cafés and restaurants. Those who are lucky enough might even happen upon one of the hall’s many gastronomy events.

Catch a live show or performance

In case it’s not obvious enough by the amount of street art in the walls and the number of galleries per block, Grünerløkka is a haven for the artistically inclined individuals. Some of the best of them can be found in Blå and Parkteatret—probably two of Oslo’s coolest live performances venues. Start the afternoon in Blå, as it’s closer to the Mathallen, and then check the happenings in historical Parkteatret (first opened in 1907 as a cinema), maybe with a pre-dinner beer in hand.

Treat yourself to a proper dinner

It’s dinner time in Grünerløkka, and people will be quick to talk about the area’s many burger joints and steakhouses. Don’t listen to them. Succulent and homely as these options may be, try out a proper, Nordic dinner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Kontrast. Sit back and enjoy one of their dishes made with seasonal produce from small farms or for those with a big group of friends dining, opt for one of their tasting menus.

Enjoy a craft cocktail or brew

Every perfect day should end with some barhopping. Since Oslo is not the cheapest city in the world, play it safe in some of Løkka’s staples: sample one of the eclectic brews in Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri or have a cocktail that hits just the right spot in mixology powerhouses Bar Boca and Nedre Løkka. Cheers to a day done right in Grünerløkka.

Save

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.